Astronomy / Astrophysics

Composed image of Abell 3391/95

0

An article published in the journal “Astronomy & Astrophysics” reports the discovery of a filamentary structure of hot gas connecting two galaxy clusters about 50 million light-years long. A team of researchers used data collected by the eROSITA instrument, the ASKAP radio telescope, and the DECam instrument to study a system of three galaxy clusters called Abell 3391/95 and found what is the longest filament ever discovered. Its estimated mass confirms that the so-called missing baryon matter could be in those filaments.

GAL-CLUS-022058s, the Molten Ring (Image ESA/Hubble & NASA, S. Jha. Acknowledgement: L. Shatz)

1

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured an image of GAL-CLUS-022058s, the largest and one of the most complete Einstein rings ever discovered. This type of structure’s name comes from the fact that it was theorized by Albert Einstein in his theory of general relativity. It’s in fact the result of a gravitational lensing effect, which distorts the image of an object behind a galaxy or a galaxy cluster. In this case, the ring’s “liquid” look and the fact that it was identified in the constellation of Fornax, the Furnace, led to the nickname of “Molten Ring”.

A cross-section of Enceladus, showing a summary of the processes SwRI scientists modeled in the Saturn moon

0

An article published in the journal “Icarus” reports a study on the conditions under the surface of Saturn’s moon Enceladus, which indicate possible chemical processes that could support the metabolism of life forms. A team of researchers used data collected by the Cassini space probe to create a model of the chemical processes taking place in the Enceladus’ underground ocean, and concluded that there are possible redox chemical reactions that can fuel the metabolism of life forms.

Hot spots on Jupiter

0

New discoveries on the planet Jupiter made thanks to the work of NASA’s Juno space probe were presented at the American Geophysical Union’s fall conference, which was virtual this year. In particular, new information was collected regarding the so-called hot spots, areas of the Jovian atmosphere that are denser and warmer than expected. Juno made it possible to obtain data that suggests that they’re larger and deeper than previously thought. Another news on Jupiter is that the new cyclone discovered last year at the planet’s south pole has dissolved.

The eROSITA bubbles

0

An article published in the journal “Nature” reports the discovery of a gigantic structure formed by hot gas with a shape similar to that of an hourglass with lobes that extend from the center of the Milky Way. A team of researchers used observations conducted with eROSITA, one of the instruments of the Spektr-RG space telescope, which identified this structure at X-rays that is very similar to the so-called Fermi bubbles.